Academy Commendation

The creators of the Trailer Audio Standards Association's (TASA) Trailer Loudness Standard were presented with an Award of Commendation by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on March 3, 2001, at the organization's Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation dinner.

The Award of Commendation, a plaque, was given to Ioan Allen, Mark Harrah, and Robin Bransbury for the concept, design and implementation of the TASA Trailer Loudness Standard. In 1997, cinema sound engineers, exhibitors, and the major studios formed the Trailer Audio Standards Association to develop a trailer volume standard.

Subsequently, the Trailer Loudness Standard has become the means by which the film community and audiences are assured a better sound balance between trailers and feature presentations.

"The discrepancy between trailer and feature sound levels has been evident for some time. The TASA program is an extraordinary accomplishment in that the diverse members reached a consensus that a means to determine and limit maximum loudness levels was necessary," said Academy Sound Branch Governor Douglas Greenfield. "Dedicated test equipment was designed to measure subjective loudness, and a series of listening tests was undertaken to evaluate maximum loudness levels. The results of these tests led to the current figure of 86 dB Leq (m)."

This maximum is adhered to by all studios and has the endorsement of the Motion Picture Association of America and the National Association of Theater Owners. "The work of the three men not only provides a valuable service to the motion picture industry, but their commitment and foresight has benefited the community at large as well," added Greenfield.

The Award of Commendation, along with all of the other Scientific and Technical Awards, was handed out at a presentation dinner at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel on Saturday, March 3, 2001.